The retail packaging MSI created for the X79A-GD65 (8D) highlights the board's "Military Class III" components that are MIL-STD-810G certified, which means it uses high-end, stable components. MSI also touts the board's Click BIOS II and PCI-E 3.0 technologies.

The back panel of the motherboard packaging gives consumers more specific information about the board's power components, overclocking features, and other next-gen technologies that make it more of a "future-proof" motherbaord.

Motherboard Layout

This is the first Sandy Bridge-E (LGA 2011) motherboard that I have had on my test bench and I have to say the overall layout and design is quite interesting to say the least. The first feature that has been modified from previous LGA 1155, 1156, and 1366 socket boards is the quad-channel memory support that allow users to add up to 128GB of DDR3-2400 (overclocked) memory. The CPU socket itself is absolutely massive compared to previous Intel CPUs and takes up most of the top portion of the motherboard. I'm a bit concerned about how much clearance there will be to use all eight DIMMs when users try to use third-party heatsinks that may block some of the DIMMs.

The back panel of the PCB is very plain with only a single aluminum backplate behind the CPU socket.

As we move to the back I/O panel, I see the usual suspects like eight USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, firewire, PS2 mouse/keyboard port, coaxial/optical audio ports, Gigabit LAN, clear CMOS button, and six audio jacks. This setup is pretty common nowadays and doesn't impress me much in terms of available options for users.

Many of our readers prefer using dual or triple graphics card configurations and the X79A-GD65A (8D) doesn't disappoint by supporting three PCI-E 3.0 x16 slots that support up to 32GB/s of bandwidth. When users run three video cards at once in SLI or CrossfireX configurations, they will only be able to get 16x16x8 speeds, but that is a great feature when you consider the price point of this particular motherboard.

The first thing I look at after seeing how many PCI-E 3.0 x16 slots are available on a motherboard is to evaluate what other unique capabilities the board will provide to novice and advanced users. MSI has had a lot of success with their OC Genie II technology that makes overclocking a bit easier for those who don't want to manually adjust CPU ratios and voltages. These four buttons help users enable the board's OC Genie II features and increase or decrease CPU speeds.

The front panel headers are separated, which is a bit unusual. I also prefer to have them color coded so I can put everything together without reading the diagram or opening up the user manual.

The bottom-right side of the motherboard has two USB 2.0 headers and one USB 3.0 header. MSI also added a convenient debug LED display that helps users troubleshoot boot issues.

The X79 chipset supports up to four SATA 3GB/s and two SATA 6GB/s devices. This chipset by Intel also supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 and Intel's Rapid Storage technology. MSI added an ASMedia ASM 1061 chipset to give users two additional SATA 6GB/s ports.

MSI moved most of the board's power components above the LGA 2011 socket to make room for eight DIMMs that support up to 128GB of DDR3-2400,2133,1800, 1600, 1333, and 1066 quad-channel memory.

Included Extras

MSI included several useful accessories with the X79A-GD65 (8D) like six SATA 6GB/s cables for multiple optical drives and primary/secondary storage drives.

They also added a couple handy PCI brackets to give users two more USB 3.0 and two eSATA ports to further expand the functionality of the X79A-GD65 (8D).

The fun keeps going with a blacked-out I/O backplate, USB 3.0 cable, M-connectors, and an SLI bridge to connect two video cards and use them in an SLI configuration.

There's also several resources to help users get the most out of their X79A-GD65 (8D) like hardware and software user manuals and a handy quick installation guide.

MSI added a certificate of quality and stability to let users know they stand by their motherboards and used only the best "military-grade" components.

Lastly, they added an overclocking guide and detailed quick install guide that are well organized and detailed enough for even advanced users who want to learn more about the various features and options available on this motherboard.

The one thing the X79A-GD65 (8D) has going for it is the number of DIMM slots you have. Of course 8 DIMMS can give you a huge workable memory footprint of 32GB for not much money now days. The MSI X79A-GD65 (8D) costs $290.00 at Newegg. Other enthusiast set motherboards start around the $250 mark.

Nice review, thanks! These look to be great boards and MSI continues to pump out quality product. That said a few things really disappoint me on the new Intel IB chipset lineup that are in no way unique to this board. The most disappointing to me is the lack of native SATA3 ports.

: - Supports two SATAIII ports (SATA1~2) by X79

Really Intel? Still only 2 ports? Lacking is too kind a word IMHO. This is supposed to be an enthusiast chipset yet it has no more native SATA3 ports than the "old" P67 based board I'm currently running. So as an enthusiast the only way I get SATA3 speeds with more than 2 SSD's in a RAID0 is an aftermarket solution taking up an expansion slot.

Aside from that I'm really impressed by the temps you achieved on air with that OC. 4.6Ghz~1.5v and only 50c on air with a 125TDP cpu HT enabled? That's the best I've seen to date. I cant keep my 2500K 4.6Ghz~1.3v that cool using a H70 under load. You guys testing in a walk in freezer? ;)

Anyway thanks for the review. All I have to do now is find a reason to justify an upgrade with the boss. I don't think upgradeitis is gonna cut it this time around.